Jackets Face Panthers On Friday

On Friday, the Yellow Jackets will travel to Hinesville to take on the Liberty Panthers in a huge game with major implications towards playoff seeding.  With a win, the Jackets can finish no worse than 3-2 in the region and with a Brunswick victory over Glynn at the same time, the Jackets can lock up a top three spot which is needed for a play in game.  They can also set up a game next week with Ware that could be for the number one overall seed in the south part of the region. 

Liberty runs a spread offense that revolves around running back and Kentucky commit Shadrach Thornton.  Thornton is the single most important player to his team of any team in the region.  Generally, if Shadrach has a good game, the Panthers have a good chance to win.  If he struggles, they struggle mightily to score points.  They also have another speedster by the name of TayTay Bacon who returns kicks and spells Thornton but doesn't command the same focus of the defense as the all state back.  If the Jackets can put last week's performance in the backs of their minds for motivation and put the same effort displayed against Glynn and Richmond Hill, they should be in a good position to win the game.  The linebackers are very pivotal as Thornton can hurt you inside or out so the backside contain by the outside linebackers trailing the play will be important to keep Thornton inside and turned back into the teeth of the defense. 


Offensively the Jackets need to establish the run early.  Liberty has a very talented defensive lineman by the name of Melvin King who is committed to Georgia State.  King looks a lot like current Jacket defensive end Jeremy Patterson.  Running the ball early and establishing the playaction pass should lead to time for Greyson to throw the ball and keep the Panther defense guessing.  The Panther's have played strong defense all year and they are especially strong when the offense keeps them fresh.  Maintaining balance on offense and getting a two score lead to force Liberty to throw will be the keys.

The Panther's stadium is located off highway 84 at the high school which is on the left after you get out of the city limits of Hinesville.  Be sure to make plans to attend as the Jackets take another step towards a state playoff spot.